Parkfield v Vipers 02/04/2016

Vipers travelled down to Taunton for their third meeting of the season with Parkfield. Having won both previous encounters confidence was high. But it was a much changed Parkfield side who took to the court and the team from Paulton knew that this would be a tough game.

The first quarter started with the hosts securing their first few goals without reply from the Paulton team, but Vipers soon found their rhythm and the match levelled out at 4-4 after the first five minutes. Kim and Andrea were back together in the defensive circle and were pressuring the Parkfield shooting pair, forcing errors and coming away with turnover ball. However, it was the home side that led into the first break of the match with the teams leaving the court with Parkfield leading 11-9.

Vipers made a few changes during the quarter break with Laura moving from WD to GD, Ness taking the WD bib and Zoe coming off the bench into GA. These changes had the desired effect with the increased mobility in the circle allowing Paulton to draw level within the first few minutes. Parkfield soon rallied and were able to regain the lead after securing several rebounded shots, quick moving of the ball up the court and into their shooters. At half time a significant lead had been established with Parkfield leading 23-17.

The second half saw another change to the Vipers line up with Ness returning to GA and Zoe dropping back to WD. The Paulton side were determined to pull the game back and some vital interceptions by the defence turned over possession allowing Vipers to send the ball back into their shooters. However, the tall Parkfield defence were able to take possession of any rebounded shots and, with an experienced shooter directing play by the young mid court players, Paulton struggled to make any inroads into the deficit. The quarter ended with Parkfield increasing their lead to 36-28.

The final quarter continued in much the same vein with the home team thoroughly in control of the match. But Vipers fighting spirit never left and each player continued to pressure every pass and intercept any loose or weak passes. At the final whistle the score stood at 48-38 to Parkfield.

Player of the Match was Helen (GS) with Players’ Player going to Laura (WD/GD).